Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Cowardice /(-ĭs)/ · Cow·ard·ice · IPA /ˈkaʊɚdɪs/ 01 n. Want of courage to face danger; extreme timidity; pusillanimity; base fear of danger or hurt; lack of spirit. 1. Want of courage to face danger; extreme timidity; pusillanimity; base fear of danger or hurt; lack of spirit. “The cowardice of doing wrong.” — Milton. “Moderation was despised as cowardice.” — Macaulay.